94 A HUNTING CATECHISM 



reasons, and when coverts and the country are 

 often disturbed, foxes lie freely in them, and can 

 easily be bolted when wanted." 



Q. What is the probable cause of mange 

 appearing in a country hitherto free from it ? 



A. "It is contributed mainly through im- 

 ported foxes ; but also in big shooting districts 

 where the old foxes are destroyed, and the cubs 

 brought up by hand, unnatural food and 

 neglected attention are great factors in inducing 

 mange." 



Q. Do badgers and foxes agree together ? 

 Will the old sow badger kill fox-cubs ? 



A. " Foxes and badgers do not agree, though 

 they have been known to occupy the same earth, 

 in separate chambers. I do not think a badger 

 will kill a fox-cub, but they will take possession 

 of an earth where there is a litter of cubs, and 

 banish the foxes." 



When stopping earths it must always be borne 

 in mind that the material used should permit of 

 ventilation, or a fox may be suffocated within, 

 and especially should this be seen to when a fox 

 has gone to ground after a run, when he requires 

 more air than at ordinary times. On such 

 occasions, if the hiding-place is a small and 

 confined one, it should not be long before the 

 stopping is taken out again altogether. When 

 the same hole has to be frequently stopped it 

 is necessary to have something handy on the 

 spot, which can be quickly inserted, and quickly 

 removed, but when not in use it should be 

 concealed, lest some unauthorised person should 

 see it and be tempted to make undue use of it. 

 Small faggots (or " kidds ") are excellent for this 



